Post-Op Gas Pains - how long did you still have it?

[MarieMichele]

I had a laparotomy on Jan. 16 to remove both ovaries (post menopause) and an 11 cm cyst.  I still have the gas pains in my upper abdomen even now, although not nearly as bad as at their peak.  How long did others deal with the gas pains?  What are some good remedies?  A friend said to combine tea with ginger ale (I have both at home) but won't the fizz from the ginger ale only add to the gas problem?  I don't have any other ginger products at home.

[MarieMichele]

I think I've found the only thing that actually works for me....rubbing the gassy/painful area gently in a circular pattern i.e. gentle massage.  About 10 minutes afterwards, I'll pass some gas.  The huge knot/brick of gas pain in my upper abdomen is decreasing, but still has a nagging presence.  It will be 3 weeks from surgery this Friday (two days from now).  I also gently rub in a circular pattern next to the incision (both sides) which relieves any pain/itching of the incision.  I hope this llittle bit of info is helpful to others in a similar situation.

[Sandymac]

Oh.. right you are.. I thought she had a laparoscopy ! I did hear though that heat worked very well too .. and of course the walking, and walking and walking ..

[furrycat]

Sandymac, I think you are thinking of a laparoscopy, which is when they pump gas into the abdomen, but the original poster had a laparotomy (open surgery), which is different.  I too had a laparotomy and also had terrible wind pain, my right should was agony!  But walking and some gently physio exercises really helped.

[Sandymac]

I think (only from what I've read here ) the only thing that will help is the walking. The gas that I was told to possibly expect (the Dr. had me watch a video before my procedure) isn't the same "gas" as intestinal gas. So, not much taken internally will help it.  This gas is "pumped" into your abdomen to expand the area so that the organs are easier to view.. After the procedure, as much as possible is "pushed out" but sometimes some remain and that's what causes the problem . I also heard heating pads work. I think intestinal gas is probably just a "hangover"from any bowel prep that one had to do. But try the heat as well as the walking..Hope it helps.

[MarieMichele]

No.  No exercises other than walking were described to me.  I'll try the one you described, though.  Thanks for the info!

The ginger tea made no difference whatsoever even though I liked the taste of it.

[furrycat]

Have you been given any exercises by the physiotherapist?  A good one to try is to lay on your back with your knees bent, and then slowly move your knees from side to side, that really helped to dislodge the wind for me.

[MarieMichele]

Hi TrudieC!

I do take the GasX tablets daily, but have felt no difference for doing so.  My doctor/surgeon doesn't like them because he feels it slows down the bowels and he wants those moving.  I don't have a problem in that regard, though.  I've had soft and easy bowel movements ever since the surgery date.  I was also very conservative with the pain meds which the doctor said could lead to constipation (the Percoset medication).  I've been 100% off pain meds for a week now.

I took the plunge.  I filled a coffee mug with ginger ale, added a teabag, and microwaved them for 1 minute.  Most of the fizz dissipated while steeping the tea.  I didn't expect that.

It is actually quite tasty.  I didn't add anything to the mixture other than the gingle ale and the teabag.   Now I'm waiting to see if it makes any difference.

[TrudieC]

Moving around (but nothing strenuous) and taking ovol or gasX tablets helped me.